Five years ago, the newly formed Big Splash organising committee was wondering whether its first event would be a complete flop.
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Committee head Stephen Mamouney said there was no way the committee could have foreseen it would be launching the fifth annual event years later.
“To be honest this time before the first event we were really wondering whether we would get the first event cab out of the rank,” he said
“We’re very happy it’s grown in popularity, registration has grown every year.”
In 2018, two new events have been added to the Big Splash agenda; the blindfold relay and the pyramid relay.
Mr Mamouney said the event was a fun celebration of community, which five years ago brought a community in mourning together to try make a difference.
“It came out of adversity, Mary Baker taking her own life at 15, the community could see a growing trend and wanted to get behind something addressing it,” Mr Mamouney said. The community desire to raise the profile of mental health, prevent suicide and support the event took organisers by surprise that first year and continues to grow.
Mr Mamouney said the event had raised $60,000 for headspace Albury-Wodonga and the Survivors of Suicide Group.
He said last year 120 teams with close to 500 swimmers registered.
“People wanted to come together in a positive way,” he said.
“Albury is a regional community well known for getting behind a cause and having a lot of fun.
“It really is light-hearted.”
Registration for the March 7 event is now open.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
